Self-aligning device to patch interface

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and techniques for aligning and coupling a sensor device to a wearable patch. A shoe apparatus is coupled to the wearable patch. The sensor device is coupled to the shoe apparatus via one or more connectors of the shoe apparatus. As the sensor device is inserted into the shoe apparatus, features of the shoe apparatus enable alignment of the sensor device with the shoe apparatus and the one or more connectors.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wearablehealth monitors, and more specifically, an apparatus for aligning andattaching a wearable monitor to a wearable patch.

Description of the Related Art

Wearable health monitors, such as biometric sensors and othermeasurement instruments, monitor and detect health conditions of apatient. For example, wearable health monitors may be used to detectheart rate data, electrocardiogram data, blood pressure data, bloodsugar data, and so on for a patient. This data may be collected overtime and presented to health care providers for use in caring for thepatient.

A wearable health monitor includes a sensor device and at least onewearable patch. Each wearable patch includes one or more electrodescoupled to the sensor device. Each wearable patch may also include oneor more interfacing connector(s), such as studs, so that the sensordevice can be selectively removed or optionally reapplied to thewearable patch. The electrodes may also be electrically coupled to thesensor device via one or more wires, such as a lead set.

After a period of time, the wearable patch may need to be replaced bythe patient. A new patch is attached to the patient and the sensordevice is attached to the patch via the one or more interfacingconnector(s). However, on-body application of the sensor device to thewearable patch requires forcibly pushing the sensor device onto theinterfacing connector(s). Further, due to the small size of the sensordevice, the sensor device may be difficult to align and attach to theone or more wires or the wearable patch. For example, a patient usingthe wearable health monitor may have limited dexterity, tremors, and soon, making it difficult to align and connect the sensor device to theone or more interfacing connector(s) and the one or more wires.

To enable easier attachment of the sensor device to the patch, thepatient may attach the sensor device to the patch before attaching thepatch to the user. However, to do so, the patient removes the sensordevice from the wearable patch for a longer period of time resulting ina period during which the sensor device is not monitoring the patient.

Accordingly, an improved patch-device interface is needed.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an apparatus which includes a shoe having a first endopposite a second end. The shoe includes a base and a raised portion atthe first end. An opening is formed through the raised portion. A firstsidewall extends laterally from the base. A second sidewall extendslaterally from the base and opposite the first sidewall. An electricalconnector is disposed through the opening.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided which includes a sensorshoe and a sensor device plug. The sensor shoe includes a base having afirst end opposite a second end. A raised portion is disposed at thefirst end of the base. A volume is defined within the raised portion. Anopening is formed in the raised portion facing the second end. A firstsidewall extends laterally from the base. A second sidewall extendslaterally from the base and is opposite the first sidewall. The sensordevice plug includes a plug body is positioned in the volume. A plugconnector extends from the plug body and through the opening. A lead iscoupled to the plug connector.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided which includes awearable patch. One or more electrodes are embedded in the wearablepatch. The apparatus also includes a sensor shoe apparatus whichincludes a base having a first end opposite a second end. A raisedportion extends from the first end and has an opening formed therein. Afirst sidewall extends laterally from the base and is disposed adjacentto the raised portion. A second sidewall extends laterally from thebase. The second sidewall is disposed adjacent to the raised portion andopposite the first sidewall. An electrical connector is disposed throughthe opening. A lead is coupled to the one or more electrodes and theelectrical connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlyexemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting ofits scope, may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor shoe according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a wearable health monitor according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a sensor shoe apparatus according toone embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the sensor shoe apparatus accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the assembled sensor shoe apparatusaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the assembled sensor shoe apparatus accordingto one embodiment.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of oneembodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments withoutfurther recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and techniques foraligning and coupling a sensor device to a wearable patch. A shoeapparatus is coupled to the wearable patch. The sensor device is coupledto the shoe apparatus via one or more connectors of the shoe apparatus.As the sensor device is inserted into the shoe apparatus, features ofthe shoe apparatus enable alignment of the sensor device with the shoeapparatus and the one or more connectors.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor shoe 100 according to oneembodiment. The sensor shoe 100 has a first end 112 and a second end 114opposite the first end 112. The sensor shoe 100 includes a base 104, araised portion 102, a first sidewall 106, a second sidewall 107, a firstlocking tab 108, and a second locking tab 109. While the sensor shoe 100is illustrated having two sidewalls 106 and 107 and two locking tabs 108and 109, it is contemplated that the sensor shoe 100 is fabricated withone or more sidewalls and one or more locking tabs. In one embodiment,the base 104 includes one or more openings 116 formed therethrough. Inone embodiment, the sensor shoe 100 is fabricated from a polymermaterial, such as an ABS polymer. In one embodiment, the sensor shoe 100is fabricated from a glass-fiber-filled ABS.

The first sidewall 106 extends laterally from and substantially normalto a top surface 120 of the base 104 of the sensor shoe 100. As thefirst sidewall 106 extends from the base 104, the first sidewall 106curves toward the second sidewall 107 to form the first locking tab 108.The second sidewall 107 extends laterally from the base 104 opposite andsubstantially parallel to the first sidewall 106. As the second sidewall107 extends from the base 104, the second sidewall 107 curves toward thefirst sidewall 106 to form the second locking tab 109. In oneembodiment, the first locking tab 108 and the second locking tab 109 areseparate components of the sensor shoe 100 and are coupled to therespective sidewalls 106 and 107.

One or more alignment tabs 118 extend laterally from the base 104. Inone embodiment, the alignment tabs 118 are an extension of the sidewalls106 and 107. The one or more alignment tabs 118 are coupled to the base104 via a rounded shoulder. The one or more alignment tabs 118 aresubstantially parallel to the sidewalls 106 and 107. In one embodiment,one or more finger grooves 110 are formed in the raised portion 102 ofthe sensor shoe 100. The finger grooves 110 assist the patient to gripthe sensor shoe 100 when installing or removing the sensor devicetherefrom. A texture may be added to a surface of the finger grooves 110to further improve gripping of the sensor shoe 100.

An opening 122 is defined within the raised portion 102. The opening 122is positioned between the top of the raised portion 102 and the base104. The opening 122 is on a side of the raised portion 102 facing thesecond end 114 of the sensor shoe 100. The opening 122 enables a plugconnector (discussed below with respect to FIGS. 3-6) to be insertedtherethrough for connecting to a sensor device (not shown).

In operation, the sidewalls 106, 107, the alignment tabs 118, and thelocking tabs 108, 109 enable a patient to install the sensor device inthe sensor shoe 100 for monitoring health conditions of the patient. Thesidewalls 106, 107, the alignment tabs 118, and the locking tabs 108,109 enable the sensor device to be aligned in the sensor shoe 100 whenthe sensor device is inserted into the sensor shoe 100. Once inserted,the sidewalls 106, 107 and the locking tabs 108, 109 exert pressureagainst the sensor device to hold the sensor device in the sensor shoe100. In one embodiment, the sensor shoe 100 includes a locking mechanism(not shown) to secure the sensor device. In that case, the sensor shoe100 also includes a release mechanism that is activated to enableremoval of the sensor device from the sensor shoe 100. In oneembodiment, the sensor shoe 100 provides tactile feedback asconfirmation that the sensor device aligned and secured in the sensorshoe 100.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a wearable health monitor 200 according to oneembodiment. The wearable health monitor 200 includes a wearable patch202, the sensor shoe 100, and a sensor device 210. In one embodiment,the wearable patch 202 is fabricated from a flexible electricallyinsulating material. The sensor shoe 100 is adhered to the wearablepatch 202 via an adhesive, such as a glue. In one embodiment, a doublesided adhesive tape (not shown) is disposed between the wearable patch202 and the sensor shoe 100. The adhesive or double sided tape maintainsa position of the sensor shoe 100 on the wearable patch 202.

The wearable patch 202 includes an electrode assembly 212. The electrodeassembly 212 includes one or more electrodes 204 and one or moreconnectors 206, 208 between the electrodes 204. The electrodes 204 arecoupled to each other via a connector 206, 208. The connectors 206, 208include conductive pathways between each of the electrodes 204. Theconductive pathway of each connector 206, 208 is fabricated from aflexible conductive material and is disposed in the wearable patch 202.In one embodiment, the connectors 206, 208 and the electrodes 204 arefabricated from a continuous flexible conductive material disposed inthe wearable patch 202. The conductive pathways in the connectors 206,208 transmit signals between the one or more electrodes 204 to thesensor device 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrodes 204 are circular, but othershapes and configurations are contemplated. In one embodiment, theelectrodes 204 and the connector 206 are embedded in the wearable patch202. Thus, when the wearable health monitor 200 is attached to apatient, the wearable patch 202 touches the skin of the patient. Thewearable patch 202 is fabricated from a breathable material tofacilitate patient comfort. The one or more openings 116 illustrated inFIG. 1 enable air to pass through the base 104 and increasebreathability of the sensor shoe 100. The air flow through the openings116 substantially improves breathability of the wearable patch 202 andthus improves a comfort level of the patient.

When the sensor device 210 is installed in the sensor shoe 100, theelectrodes 204 are coupled to the sensor device 210 via a connector 208.The electrodes 204 detect an electrical current in the body of thepatient and communicate a corresponding signal to the sensor device 210via the connectors 206, 208. Each electrode 204 provides a differentview of electrical activity in the body of the patient. While twoelectrodes 204 are illustrated in FIG. 2, it is contemplated that moreor less than two electrodes 204 may be embedded in the wearable patch202 and coupled to the sensor device 210.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a sensor shoe apparatus 300 accordingto one embodiment. The sensor shoe apparatus 300 includes the sensorshoe 100 and a sensor device plug 312. The sensor shoe 100 correspondsto the sensor shoe 100 described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The sensor device plug 312 includes a body 306, a plug connector 310,and a lead 308. The lead 308 is coupled to the electrode assembly 212,illustrated in FIG. 2. The lead 308 is fabricated from one or moreportions of a flexible conductive material enclosed in the flexibleinsulating material of the wearable patch 202. In one embodiment, theone or more portions of the flexible conductive material are separatedwithin the flexible insulating material so as to create a separateconductive pathway for each of the one or more portions of flexibleconductive material.

In one embodiment, the lead 308 and the electrode assembly 212 forms arefabricated from a continuous flexible conductive material. In oneembodiment, the plug connector 310 provides an interface for connectingthe sensor device to the lead 308. For example, the plug connector 310may be a micro USB connector. The lead 308 provides an interface betweenthe sensor device and the electrode assembly 212. In one embodiment, aprinted circuit board (PCB) is disposed in the body 306 and the plugconnector 310 is rigidly coupled to the PCB and the body 306. The rigidconnection between the plug connector 310 and the body 306 enables auser to forcibly insert the sensor device into the sensor shoe 100. Inone embodiment, the sensor device 210 is held in the sensor shoe 100 bythe plug connector 310.

In operation, the sensor device plug 312 is disposed in the sensor shoe100 within the raised portion 102. A top surface 304 of the sensordevice plug 312 is inserted into a bottom of the opening 122. That is,the sensor device plug 312 is inserted into the raised portion 102 suchthat the plug connector 310 extends from the opening 122.

In one embodiment, the body 306 is fabricated from the same material asthe sensor shoe 100. In another embodiment, the body 306 is fabricatedfrom a similar or different material than the sensor shoe 100. Thesensor device plug 312 has an ingress protection (IP) rating of IP67.That is, the sensor device plug 312 substantially prevents dust fromentering therein. The sensor device plug 312 also prevents intrusion ofliquid when submersed in the liquid at a depth of up to 1 meter forabout 30 minutes.

In one embodiment, the sidewalls 106 and 107 of the sensor shoe 100 aretapered from the second end 114 of the sensor shoe 100 to the first end112 of the sensor shoe 100. That is, a width between the sidewalls 106and 107 gradually decreases from the second end 114 toward the first end112. In another embodiment, which can be combined with one or moreembodiments described above, a thickness of the sidewalls 106 and 107may be tapered from the first end 112 toward the second end 114. Forexample, a thickness of the sidewalls 106 and 107 may decrease from thefirst end 112 toward the second end 114. While the sensor shoe apparatus300 is illustrated as two components in FIG. 3, it is contemplated thatthe sensor shoe apparatus 300 is manufactured as a unitary apparatusincluding the sensor shoe 100 and the sensor device plug 312.

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of the sensor shoe apparatus 300according to one embodiment. The sensor shoe 100 includes a volume 406formed in the raised portion 102. A shape of the sensor device plug 312is substantially the same as a shape of the volume 406. Thus, when thesensor device plug 312 is inserted in the sensor shoe 100, the sensordevice plug substantially fills the volume 406 and a bottom surface 404of the sensor device plug 312 is substantially co-planar with a bottomsurface 402 of the sensor shoe 100. When the sensor device plug isinserted in the volume 406, the plug connector 310 passes through theopening 122.

One or more first support members 408 extend laterally from each of thesidewalls 106 and 107. The one or more first support members 408extending from the first sidewall 106 are substantially parallel to theone or more first support members 408 extending from the second sidewall107. One or more second support members 410 extend laterally from thefirst end 112 of the sensor shoe 100. The one or more second supportmembers 410 are substantially perpendicular to the one or more firstsupport members 408. The one or more second support members 410 aresubstantially parallel to the first sidewall 106 and the second sidewall107. Each of the first support members 408 and the second supportmembers 410 extend into the volume 406. The first support members 408and the second support members 410 provide support to the sensor deviceplug 312 when inserted into the sensor shoe 100. The first supportmembers 408 and the second support members 410 enable alignment of theplug connector 310 with the opening 122 when the sensor device plug 312is inserted into the volume 406. When the sensor device plug 312 isinserted in the volume 406, the first support members 408 and the secondsupport members 410 hold the sensor device plug 312 in the volume 406 byexerting a force on the sides of the sensor device plug 312.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the assembled sensor shoe apparatus 500according to one embodiment. As illustrated, the assembled sensor shoeapparatus 500 includes the sensor shoe 100 and the sensor device plug312 extending from the volume 406 (illustrated in FIG. 4) within theraised portion 102. When the sensor device plug 312 is in the volume406, the plug connector 310 extends through the opening 122 (illustratedin FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) toward the second end 114 of the sensor shoe 100.When assembled, the plug connector 310 extends through the opening 122substantially parallel to the sidewalls 106 and 107.

As the sensor device is inserted into the sensor shoe 100 and movedtoward the first end 112 of the sensor shoe 100, the locking tabs 108and 109 and the tapered sidewalls 106, 107 align the sensor device withthe plug connector 310. Thus, as the sensor device is inserted into thesensor shoe 100 and moved toward the first end 112, the plug connector310 is aligned with and inserted into a corresponding connector of thesensor device.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the assembled sensor shoe apparatus 500according to one embodiment. The sensor device plug 312 is positioned inthe volume 406 illustrated in FIG. 4 between the support members 408 and410. The sensor device plug 312 substantially fills the volume 406. Inone embodiment, the lead 308 extends from the sensor shoe 100 betweenthe second support members 410.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sensor shoe for mountinga sensor device on a wearable patch. The sensor shoe enables alignmentof the sensor device as the sensor device is inserted into the sensorshoe. The sensor shoe also protects the sensor device and holds thesensor device in place on the wearable patch and the patient. Minimalforce can be used to insert the sensor device into the sensor shoe. Thesensor shoe enables the sensor device to be removed from the wearablepatch so that the sensor device can be reused by the same patient or adifferent patient with a new patch and sensor shoe.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

1. A sensor shoe, comprising: a base having a first end opposite asecond end, and configured to attach to a wearable patch fabricated froma flexible material and comprising one or more embedded electrodes; araised portion at the first end having an opening; a first sidewallextending laterally from the base; a second sidewall extending laterallyfrom the base and opposite the first sidewall; one or more alignmenttabs extending laterally from the base and extending from at least oneof the first sidewall or the second sidewall; one or more holes formedthrough the base, the holes configured to allow airflow through the baseto the wearable patch; and an electrical connector disposed through theopening and configured to electrically couple a removable biometricsensor device with the one or more embedded electrodes.
 2. (canceled) 3.(canceled)
 4. The sensor shoe of claim 1, wherein a thickness of thefirst sidewall and the second sidewall is tapered from the first endtoward the second end.
 5. The sensor shoe of claim 1, wherein the firstsidewall and the second sidewall are substantially perpendicular to thebase.
 6. The sensor shoe of claim 5, further comprising: one or moregrooves formed in the raised portion.
 7. The sensor shoe of claim 5,further comprising: a first locking tab extending from the firstsidewall toward the second sidewall; and a second locking tab extendingfrom the second sidewall toward the first locking tab.
 8. An apparatus,comprising: a sensor shoe, comprising: a base having a first endopposite a second end and configured to attach to a wearable patchfabricated from a flexible material and comprising one or more embeddedelectrodes; a raised portion defining a volume therein, the raisedportion disposed at the at the first end of the base; an opening formedin the raised portion facing the second end; a first sidewall extendinglaterally from the base; and a second sidewall extending laterally fromthe base and opposite the first sidewall; one or more alignment tabsextending laterally from the base and extending from at least one of thefirst sidewall or the second sidewall; one or more holes formed throughthe base, the holes configured to allow airflow through the base to thewearable patch; and a sensor device plug configured to electricallycouple a removable biometric sensor device with the one or more embeddedelectrodes, comprising: a plug body positioned in the volume; a plugconnector extending from the plug body and through the opening; and alead coupled to the plug connector.
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein a thickness of the first sidewall and thesecond sidewall is tapered from the first end toward the second end. 12.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first sidewall and the secondsidewall are substantially perpendicular to the base.
 13. The apparatusof claim 12, further comprising: one or more grooves formed in theraised portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: afirst locking tab extending from the first sidewall toward the secondsidewall; and a second locking tab extending from the second sidewalltoward the first locking tab.
 15. An apparatus, comprising: a wearablepatch fabricated from a flexible material; one or more electrodesembedded in the wearable patch; and a sensor shoe apparatus, the sensorshoe apparatus comprising: a base having a first end opposite a secondend and configured to attach to the wearable patch; a raised portionextending from the first end having an opening; a first sidewallextending laterally from the base and disposed adjacent to the raisedportion; a second sidewall extending laterally from the base, the secondsidewall disposed adjacent to the raised portion and opposite the firstsidewall; one or more alignment tabs extending laterally from the baseand extending from at least one of the first sidewall or the secondsidewall; one or more holes formed through the base, the holesconfigured to allow airflow through the base to the wearable patch; andan electrical connector disposed through the opening and configured toelectrically couple a removable biometric sensor device with the one ormore embedded electrodes.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein thesensor shoe apparatus is adhered to the wearable patch.
 17. (canceled)18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first sidewall and the secondsidewall are substantially perpendicular to the base.
 19. The apparatusof claim 15, wherein the one or more electrodes embedded in the wearablepatch comprises a plurality of electrodes, and wherein each electrode ofthe plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to at least oneother electrode of the plurality of electrodes.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 15, further comprising: a first locking tab extending from thefirst sidewall toward the second sidewall; and a second locking tabextending from the second sidewall toward the first locking tab.